(*UPDATED 1-23-25 with response from CM Chicken franchisor)
A Korean fried chicken restaurant in Loudoun County has announced that it is changing its franchise affiliation. This means a new name and a new menu is in the works.
Choong Man Chicken, sometimes abbreviated as CMC or CM Chicken, opened in Ashburn’s Ashbrook Commons shopping center back in January 2020.
Ashbrook Commons in the retail center at Route 7 and Ashburn Village Boulevard with the Harris Teeter, the Jersey Mike’s, and the Pet Supplies Plus store.
Wednesday this week, Choong Man said they were changing things up thanks to some behind-the-scenes drama.
“Due to ongoing internal conflict within the Choong Man Chicken corporation, (the) CMC Ashburn location has decided to no longer be part of the franchise,” the announcement on social media read in part. “Moving forward we will be serving the community as Chicken 4U Ashburn.”
Chicken 4U appears to be a tiny chain of Korean chicken restaurants here in Virginia. We say tiny because a search online only turned up locations in Warrenton and Chesapeake.
However, on Thursday, the CM Chicken corporation responded that they are the ones who chose to cancel the franchise agreement with the local operator.
“The truth is that the franchise agreement with CM Chicken Ashburn was terminated due to violations of our company’s franchise policies,” a statement from the company read. “As a franchise organization, CM Chicken USA upholds strict guidelines to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance across all our locations. Unfortunately, CM Chicken Ashburn did not meet these standards, which led to the termination of their agreement.”
The menu at Chicken 4U is similar to the the previous restaurant’s menu. It includes bone-in chicken and chicken tenders tossed in a variety of different flavors and seasonings.
There is also a long list of side options including some less common ones such as Prinkle Fries (seasoned with a sweet and salty garlic flavoring), Sweet Corn Hushpuppies, and Popcorn Shrimp.
You can see the menu for the new Chicken 4U below.
The restaurant is now technically operating at Chicken 4U, but there will be a transition period when customers may see the old brand’s logos and/or certain menu items might not be available yet.
